Related Links

Welsh Honored for Efforts to Improve Highway Safety Nationwide

Contact: Mike GreifeWARRENSBURG, MO (Aug. 8, 2014) – Bob Welsh, program manager of the Breath Alcohol Instrument Training Program in the Missouri Safety Center at the University of Central Missouri, recently was honored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with the NHTSA Public Service Award.

Welsh was one of 12 individuals and organizations from across the nation honored at the 32nd annual NHTSA Lifesavers Conference in Nashville. The agency’s top public service award recognizes the tireless efforts people make to advance highway safety throughout the country.

The citation presented to Welsh recognized his “outstanding dedication to the field of drug- and alcohol-impaired driving. Your shared passion, education, awareness and service make a difference and save lives.”

David J. Friedman, left, acting administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, recently presented Bob Welsh, right, program manager of the Breath Alcohol Instrument Training Program in the Missouri Safety Center at the University of Central Missouri, with the NHTSA Public Service Award at the annual NHTSA Lifesavers Conference in Nashville.

Welsh joined the staff of the Missouri Safety Center in 1987 and was a co-founder of the Breath Alcohol Instrument Training Program in 1989. As program manager, he supervises program staff responsible for the repair, recalibration and recertification of more than 350 breath alcohol testing instruments assigned to law enforcement agencies throughout Missouri. He personally has trained thousands of law enforcement officers in equipment supervision and operation, DWI detection, drug recognition, court demeanor and testimony, report writing and tactical police driving.

Welsh also is recognized as a leading expert in the area of synthetic drugs. His research and studies in 2010 and 2011 of the effects of these drugs on humans resulted in legislation prohibiting the sale of synthetic drugs and the training of medical personnel in how the identify and predict effects of the drugs on humans.

Welsh received a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement and sociology from the College of Ozarks and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from UCM.

The Lifesavers conference is the nation’s largest assembly of highway safety professionals, all of whom strive to improve the safety of America’s roadways and communities. NHTSA annually recognizes safety leaders and their exemplary efforts in the area of traffic fatality and injury reduction. The conference highlights emerging traffic safety issues and exposes participants to proven life-saving programs and best practices. This year’s conference hosted more than 1,700 participants and included more than 100 exhibitors.

“Safety is our top priority, and NHTSA has worked hard to reduce roadway fatalities to historic lows, but we can’t do this alone,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. ‘These award recipients represent the full spectrum of dedicated public servants who help us improve safety each and every day across the country. We thank them for their service, for the difference they have made and the example they are setting for others.”

“We celebrate the individuals and organizations honored today and their relentless commitment to saving lives and reducing injuries on roads in states, cities and towns all across our country,” said NHTSA acting administrator David Friedman. “We appreciate their dedication and hard work in helping to improve traffic safety."